MisOr, CDO push for 'farm tourism'

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1051684
• Monday, October 22, 2018

By Ercel Maandig (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The provincial government of Misamis Oriental and the city government here are eyeing for a new tourism scheme that could help farming industry as a way to improve lives of farmers and farm owners.

Edmundo Pacamalan, head of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRO), said officials in the province see farm tourism as an avenue to attract guests to visit farm areas in the province for educational and recreational purposes, and at the same time encourage economic activities that can provide both farms and communities get additional income.

These activities include immersing tourists in feeding animals, collecting eggs, hiking, learning nature-based arts and crafts, harvesting vegetables and wine-tasting, among others.

He said the provincial government also envisions to establishing farm schools and welcomes interested individuals in the province to avail of the program and assist them earn better income.

Tourism development is seen to be more dynamic as the provincial government earmarked PHP159 million for infrastructure in 2019.

"This fund will be utilized for the road concreting leading to tourism sites," he said.

Governor Yevgeny Emano has emphasized the need to concretize roads for easy and convenient access for tourists when visiting tourism sites in the province.

"No matter how spectacular the scenery and tourist sites are, if road projects are limited, it is difficult for the tourists to visit sites," he said.

Meanwhile, the City Committee on Trade and Industry chaired by Councilor George Sio Goking, has collaborated with the Committee on Tourism of Councilor Jay Pascual and Committee on Agriculture of Councilor Annie Daba for the farm tourism program, after Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol declared the four towns of Bukidnon as "vegetable center" of the country.

The town of Talakag is among the four which is the nearest to Cagayan de Oro where farm products from the upland villages pass on their way to the loading areas, specifically to the airport, seaport and markets.

Goking said he already conducted a joint meeting with these committees to tackle the resolution of offloading problem of vegetables from Bukidnon and upland villages here.

Early this month, Goking said the Philippine Airlines (PAL) committed to an additional space for vegetable cargoes coming from Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro while the Philippine Air Force's C130 cargo plane also signified their support to DA and the LGU here and Bukidnon especially in times of calamities.

Goking, however, said he asked vegetable traders not to overprice goods.